Signal mechanism



March 7, 1939. 5 BEACH 2,149,572

SIGNAL MECHANISM Original Filed April 16, 1936 2 Sheets-Sheet l 43 NON-INTERFERENCE |53 :51 3 k MAGNET c c DETENT ARM I DETENT I 3A2 FLANGE G :09 A i H9 69 I23 12: TO OTHER PROTECTIVE 4 SIGNAL fi? A SSHUNT TRANSMITTERS 67 FIG. I D2 3 E a a 3| EMERGENCY SIGNAL '3" a 25 WHEEL NORMAL o SIGNAL 1 WHEEL 8* INVE NTOR c. E BEACH SIGNAL MECHANISM March 7, 1939. 2,149,572

2 Sheets-Sheet 2 ori inal-Filed April 16, 1936 INVENTOR Patented Mar. 7, 1939 UNITED STATES SIGNAL MECHANISM Clarence Edward Beach, ,Brookline, Mass.

Application April 16, 1936, Serial No. 74,706 Renewed August 3, 1938 ;'I'his invention relates to code signal formulating-devices having so-called perfect non-interference and succession features, and more particularly to such, devices as have facilities rendered effective during impairment of a normal signaling current path for formulating code signals in one or more abnormal or so-called emer- 'gency current paths.

, Code signal formulating devices, such as those 10 to which embodiments of this invention are particularly suited, are frequently employed in municipal and other'fire alarm signaling systems, and, when so used, are many times referred to as fire alarm boxes. In the interests of convenience and brevity of expression, the terms signal formulating device, signal box, signal transmitter or fire alarm box may be hereinafter more'or less interchangeably employed.

Applicants prior Patent No. 1,999,859, dated 20 April 30, 1935, discloses a signal formulating device embodying features Which have been found well suited to many of the practical situations where such devices are used, and the mechanism there specifically disclosed may be completely manufactured or produced by adaptation of, and

addition of parts to, a widely used type of fire alarm box.

It seems probable, however, that formulating devices may be advantageously employed, under 30 certain service conditions, notwithstanding that they fail to embody all of the functional features of a mechanism constructed in accordance with applicants said prior patent; and itis believed that those purchasing such formulating devices will, in-some instances, be influenced more by considerations of lower prices or fewer parts than by accomplishment of functions needful for minimizing, to a maximum extent, against losses of signals resultant from impairment of the normally effective signaling circuit.

Furthermore, there are many thousands of comparatively old style fire alarm boxes in service of the general type known as Ideal. Some may consider it more expedient to alter such old 45 style boxes so asto safeguard, to a considerable extent, against such alarm losses, rather than to replace these boxes by those of more modern type, even though the altered boxes may failto fully avoid all preventable alarm losses.

50 It is therefore an object of this invention to provide code signal formulating devices which may be more economically manufactured and hence profitably sold at a lower price than devices constructed fully in accordance "with the details 55 ofwthe-disclo'sure-of applicants said" prior patent, which improved devices may embody facilities for avoiding a substantial proportion of all preventable alarm losses.

It is a further and important object to provide such a device which may be produced by un- 5 changed use of a substantial proportion of parts such as those heretofore employed in the Ideal type of fire alarm boxes, together with a minimum number of altered and added parts.

' Other objects will be in part apparent and in part 'more specifically set forth in the ensuing specification. c p

In constructing this invention, the usual train or clockwork mechanism may be arranged to rotate a so-called signal wheel for effecting actuatiodofsignal formulating contacts, which contacts'are inter-related with a so-called non-interference' magnet and with non-interference trapand succession effecting mechanism, all as or analogous to that accomplished in Ideal type firealarm box mechanisms with which those skilled in this art are well acquainted.

i The mechanism thus far referred to is so modifiedgthat the results heretofore obtained by movement of'the non-interference armature out of the normal effective'field of the non-interference magnet is, in accordance with the present invention, accomplished through a lesser movement of said armature, all of which movement is within the effective magnetic field. The mechanism is soaltered that such limited retraction of this armature causeslo'cking o'f the'code signal formulating contacts (also hereinafter referred to as key break inchahisfn) -which locking action will "be maintained, irrespective "of subsequent 3 movement of the armature in response to ensuing energizations of the magnet, until a stage is attained in the functional. cycle of the mechanism which results in a renewed attempt toiformulate the intended code signal in accordance with the 40 teachings; of the prior art.

It will be observed that the facilities just'deribed emb dy a modific ion, .o those rovi in prior or conventional forms of Ideal type boxes, in that not only do the non-interference armatures of such prior boxes move out of the ncrmalefiective range of the non-interference magnets in the event ofinte'rference, but no facilities are provided whereby such armatures may be brought or held within the range'of effective magnet ene'rgi'zation until conditions are right for testing to determinethe'propriety of again'attempting signal forrnulation. v

It is a furthercharacteristic of such prior Idealtype"boxes"that"if the non-interference armature is at any time moved to attracted position during activity of the mechanism, whether by unintended manipulation or because of abnormally great magnet energization, the key break mechanism is thereby immediately rendered responsive to the code wheel and an incorrect signal formulation is likely to result.

In accordance with a more general aspect of this invention, facilities, including additional or supplemental key break mechanism operable responsive tothe same or a different code wheel, is added to the structure of conventional Ideal type boxes (either as previously employed or as modified in accordance with the foregoing explanation) Such facilities render effective signal formulation between the normal and the emergency path (which may include the earth) only following deenergization' of the non-interference magnet for a time longer than the longest period of deenergization of the normal current path incidental to formulation of any signal.

In accordance with certain of the specific forms of this invention, the contacts of such supplemental key break 'mechanism are continuously subject to functional actuation responsive to rotation of the code wheel; one of such contacts being connected to the normal current path and the other being subject to connection with the emergency conductor or ground through the action of switching mechanism which is caused to be actuated responsive to continued retraction of the non-interference armature for a certain prolonged period of time, as just explained.

In accordance with other specific embodiments of this invention, such supplemental key break mechanism normally is mechanically rendered unresponsive to the code wheel and its contacts are maintained in open circuit conditioning; said contacts being'rendered responsive to rotation of the code wheel only when non-portative positioning of the non-interference armature has remained unaffected by energization of the noninterference magnet for a time, measured by the running of the train, and longer than the longest period of deenergization of the normal signaling current path incidental to the formulation of any signal.

For the purpose of facilitating comprehension of this invention, certain embodiments thereof are indicated in the accompanying drawings, in which Figure 1 is an isometric View, generally diagrammatic for sake of clarity, indicating the application of an embodiment of this invention to a well known type of signal transmitter, various parts being shown relatively displaced much further than necessary in a physical embodiment;

Fig. 1A is a diagram of a part of the circuit arrangement of Fig. 1;

Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5 show certain parts of the mechanism of Fig. 1 in various operative relation ships; and 7 Figs. 6 to 11, inclusive, show various modifications of the mechanism and circuit arrangements indicated in Fig. 1.

The structure indicated in Fig. 1 embodies adaptations of and additions to parts of a fire alarm box such as that shown in Fig. 1 of a patent to J. W. Johnson, No. 621,093, dated March 14, 1899. Parts which may conveniently be constructed and operated the same as in said Johnson patent are herein given the identifying characters used therein, and reference may be had to that patent for further description of such parts, as well as of the parts cooperating therewith which form no part of this invention.

The normal signal or code wheel E is fixed upon shaft 2! together with the gear C and the pinion 23, which gear and pinion form part of trainwork such as that indicated by the aforesaid patent, and which train-work carries a detent flange A in cooperative relationship with a tooth or projection B associated with the detent arm B.

Said flange is cut-away at certain points so as to provide openings, such as the opening A for receiving the projection 13 for purposes more fully described in the aforesaid Johnson patent.

The non-interference electromagnet C has the armature C associated in functional relationship therewith. This armature is carried by the armature lever C which is pivotally mounted on the shaft C and has the retractile spring C applied thereto. The tracer or so-called key break lever D is arranged for cooperation with the toothed periphery of the code wheel E for functional actuation thereby; movement thus given to said lever being imparted. to the code signal formulating contacts D through the insulating pin D A moving part of the gear train, which may preferably be the flange A (as indicated in the aforesaid patent) carries the pin A which engages the end A of the key break lever D when the opening A is in. or near alignment with the projection B for purposes more fully described in the aforesaid Johnson patent.

A downwardly extending arm 4|, associated with the armature lever C carries, near the free end thereof, the bar 43; which bar, in turn, carries the pin 55. A finger 4! carried by the key break lever D is so positioned that the free end thereof will cooperate with the pin 45 in a manner analogous to that of the cooperation of the pin C and arm D of the aforesaid Johnson patent.

A controlling dog 5| is pivotally mounted at 53 near the free end of the arm 4 I. A spring 55 is so applied to said dog as to tend to swing it around its pivot 53 in a clockwise direction.

A contact actuating extension bar 5'! is carried by the dog 5| and extends past the pinion 23, so that said pinion forms a limit to the clockwise movement imparted to said dog by the spring 55.

A face 59 is carried by the dog 5! for abutting cooperation with the pinion 23. Said face is so formed that, when the armature C is in fully attracted or portative position, said face will be withdrawn. a short distance from the pinion 23 (as indicated in Fig. 2), and such that movement of said armature responsive to retractile spring C will be arrested, by engagement of said face with the pinion 23, before said armature has moved out of the effective range of the magnet C (as indicated in Fig. 3).

An arm 6! relates with the shaft 2! for engaging a pin 63 carried by the dog 51. The form and relationship of said arm to said pin is such that said pin will be out of the path of said arm while the armature C is in attracted position and will be in the path of said arm when the face 59 is resting against the pinion 23, as indicated in Figs. 3 and 4. In the latter instance, said arm may engage said pin and thereby swing said dog 5| around its pivot 53 so as to disengage the face 59 from the pinion 23; whereupon limited movement of the armature C may be permitted responsive to the spring C (assisted by the action of the arm 5| upon the pin 63).

A stop 65 is disposed in the path of lengthwise movement of the bar 51 in the direction urged by th g acting through orce transmitted thereto from the spring the lever C and the arm M. The positioning of said stop 65 is such that should the face 59 climb upon the pinion 23 to a height such as might otherwise permit said face to pass above and toward the right of said pinion (say slightly beyond the position indicated by Fig. 4) said stop 65 will arrest such movement of the bar before it has been carried to a position where the armature C is out of the effective range of the magnet The upper end of the stop 65 is so positioned that the bar 51 may, resultant from the action of the arm 6i, pass above said stop and be there supported following disengagement of the arm 6! from the pin 53, as indicated in Fig. 5.

An insulating pin 61 is carried by the bar 51 near the free end thereof. Contacts 59 are so powhen said bar is resting upon the upper end of the stop 55, said pin 51 will effect closed positioning of said contacts, as indicated in Fig. 5.

The relationship of the parts for actuation of the contacts 69 (as indicated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive) will be found suitable for transmitters having signal wheels with teeth formed in such portion of the periphery thereof that, when operating at intended timing between. signal strokes, the time occupied by angular movement of the wheel E during which energization of the magnet C can prevent the parts from tioning indicated in Fig. 5 during revolution of the wheel E will be longer than the between closures of any signal.

If it is desired that the time required for the dog 5! to reach such positioning shall exceed that resultant from the use of parts such as those of Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive,--the alternative arrangement indicated in Fig. (which will be hereinafter more fully described) should be substituted.

In any event, the parts should be of such form and relative arrangement that effective signal formulation in the ground path shall occur only after the expiration of a time, measured by the running of the train (as exemplified by the rotation of the shaft 2!), which time exceeds the throughout attained cumulative movement of the any part utilized in place thereof) will be cancelled in the event of movement of the armature C to attracted position.

Furthermore, and other parts which actuate the controlling contacts should be such, with relation to the emergency code wheel path will be rendered effective only at a stage such that the closure of the emergency contacts 33 next effected after closure of path contact 69 cedes the first signal stroke, or the separation of the contacts 33, incident to the ensuing formulacode signal of the emergency armature C out of the eiiective field of the magnet C (such as occurs when the bar 51 passes above the stop 55) will occur only when the flange A is so positioned with relation to the projection B that said projection cannot fully enter the opening A immediately following full presentation of said opening thereto.

A member H is pivotally supported by the shaft I C for movement independently of the armature lever C and of the arm 4|.

A pin 13' is carried by the member 1|, near the free end thereof, and is arranged for cooperation with the arm D carried by the key break lever D in a manner analogous to that of the pin C and of the arm D of the aforesaid Johnson patent. -The relationship between said pin 13 and said arm D to that between the pin 45 and the finger 41 is such that when the member H is so positioned that the pin 13 is in the path of the arm D said arm D will be supported in a position high enough to carry the free end of the finger 41 slightly above the pin 45.

The extreme lower end C of the member II is so formed as to be suited for cooperation with the pin C" carried by the gear corresponding to that of the similarly designated parts indicated in the aforesaid Johnson patent.

The stud 8i pivotally supports the non-interference latch 83 and the succession latch 85, for movement independently one of the other.

A pin 81 is carried by the plate 89, which plate is secured to the arm 4 l Said pin is so positioned that it will at all times support the upper end of said latch 83. A shoulder 9| is formed in the lower surface of said latch 83 in such location that attracted positioning of the armature C arm M, plate 89, pin positioning of the member H such that the pin 13 will be out of the path of the arm D to an upturned lower end 91 of the latch 83 that, when the member H is permitted to swing counter-clockwise (incident to retraction of the armature C such as the face 59 into engagement with the pinion 23) engagement of said pin 93 with said end 91 will cause shoulder 9! to be swung out of the path of the pin 81 and thereby permit member H to swing an additional distance in counter-clockwise direction and hence to carry said shoulder to the right of the pin 81 where it cannot be reengaged by said pin upon the armature to attracted position. With such conditioning of parts, the pin 81 may move in a clockwise direction pursuant to attractional movement of armature C without thereby affecting the positioning of the member H.

The succession latch 85 carries a projection WI for limiting the clockwise rotation of said latch around the stud 8i. Said latch 85 projects below said stud 8! into the path of a bar 103 which is carried by the arm M for a purpose hereinafter more fully explained.

A pin W5 is carried by the latch 85 for cooperation with the free end of the de-tent arm B in a manner analogous to that of the cooperation of the pin C with the arm B of the aforesaid Johnson patent. The positioning of said pin I05 is such that when the latch 85 is so situated on its stud 8| as to bring the projection It! to rest against the edge of said member ll, positioning such as will withdraw the pin 13 from the path of the arm D will also cause said pin :05 to be withdrawn from shoulder I51 formed in. the end of the detent arm B; and positioning of said member H such as will allow the pin 13 to lie in the path of the arm D and bring about disengagement of the noninterference latch 83 from the pin 81, will also result in the positioning of said pin H in the path of said shoulder I51.

The spring 909 is so applied to the latch 85 as to urge clockwise movement of said latch about the stud 8|. Furthermore, spring I09 is so applied that after the latch 85 has so moved around Said spring is further so applied to said latch 85 that it may, at times, act therethrough for of the aforesaid I99 will cause said moving with gear C At or about this time, pin C will engage the end C and effect further clo ckvvise movement "of member 76 sufiicient to move the pin 73 out of the path of the free end of the arm D Thus the memretained in its normal position if and for as long as the armature C is in its attracted position.

The relationship between carrying the free ennui the in tothe position indicated by g. 5) thefbar 1' 6'3 wi lje g "the'loWer "end of s ald latch 85 and swing sa ne counter clockwise end of the deteht arm B.

A bar H1 is carried near the free end of the detent arm B, for cooperation with the slanting surfaces H3 and H5 of the plate 89 and of the member 1 I, respectively.

The slanting surfaces I I3, 'I I 5 are so formed is supported by the and hence the detent arm is in its I will permit maximum retractive movement of the armature C and maximum counter=clockwise rotation of the member Tl.

Said surfaces H3, that when the detent lower position "entere H5 are further so formed arm B is in its normal or (the projection B having fully d the opening A said bar HI will assure fore described.

The surfaces I I3, I I5 are still at further so formed when the detent arm B such positioning of the member "H C thereof Will 'be ;E. The code vvh e e'ls'25 and fi'lmaybe arranged for efiecting the formulation of the same er or and to enable the pin 87 to For reasons Well understood by'those skilled in this art, it is desirable that these signal Wheels be of the so-called open type (i. e., making all closures of like duration While breaks are of variment of so-called perfect non-interference between a plurality of such boxes when associated with a single series circuit.

The key break lever 31 is moved responsive to A protective shunt is diagrammatically indicated at H9, for normally short-circuiting the 'a'iid magn'et windings. y n

An emergencycurrentipath isprovi'ded, serially incllidili g "the contacts 33 "and 69 'betwen the earth y and the normal current path; s'aid emerg ncy pa h 133'and I35.

be briefly herein described A bridge rectifier UH supply conductors I43, I45 applied to the input terminals thereof, and has conductors M7,

as follows:

"Normal positioning of parts Under normal conditions, the train is held at 'rest through engagement of a wall of the flange A with the projection B The bar HI retains the armature also comprising the'conductors I31,

has alternating current rent'fiow through the. normalcircuit path, between the terminalsof the rectifier I II, passes serially through conductor I41 including manifesting device II, through protective shunt II9,

"- and through conductor I49 including manifesting device I53. Manifesting device I51 is deenergized.

Operation, clear circuit If the detent arm is lifted at a time when the normal circuit path is in its normal closed condition (the protective shunt being then broken, in accordance with conventional practice) the current fiow from one to the other of the output terminals of the rectifier I 4| will pass serially through conductor I 41 including manifesting device I5I, through conductor I25, contacts D, conductor I 23, windings of electromagnet C, conductor I2I, and conductor I49 including manifesting device I53.

Interruption of the current path through the shunt II9 occurs before the bar III has been liftedfar enough to permit significant movement of the armature away from the magnet. Such interruption will cause effective energization of the non-interference magnet C, which magnet will thereupon act to retain the armature C in attracted position, notwithstanding ensuing withdrawal of the bar I II from supporting resoi latlon to the plate 89.

7 and parts moving therewith. The bar III will be thus raised to a position permitting full retraction of the armature and maximum counterclockwise rotation of the member II.

' The pin A will thereafter be moved along the upper surface of the end A of the key break lever D until the first tooth of the signal wheel E is in position to support said lever, when said pin A will pass out of the path of said end A Further rotation of the code wheel E will then withdraw the first tooth thereof from support of the key break lever D whereupon said lever will fall responsive to the tension of the lower one of the contacts D, aided by gravity, thereby breaking the normal circuit path and causing response of the manifesting devices I5I and I53.

Such interruption of the normal circuit path also causes deenergization of the non-interference magnet C. However, the downward movement of the key break lever D preceding and incidental to such deenergization of said magnet carries the finger 41 into the path of the pin 45, thereby mechanically holding the armature C against retractive movement responsive to the retractile spring C Ensuing rotation of the code wheel B will cause the next tooth to move lever D upwardly, in the course of which movement the contacts D .are re-closed, thereby causing reenergization of the non-interference magnet C. Further upward movement of lever D will carry the finger 41 permit downward movement of the key break lever D with attendant opening of contacts D fand deenergization of magnet C. Throughout Y from the path of the pin 45, contacts-D. are in the period of operation under normalcircuit conditions during which the finger 41 is withdrawn closed relationship and the'magnet C is effective for retaining the armature C in attracted position.

The various parts will thereafter act in a manner corresponding to the foregoing description, the teeth and notches of the code wheel alternately causing closure and breaking of the normal current path so as to cause response of the manifesting devices Hill and I53 in a manner representative of the intended code signal, and incidentally accomplishing energizations and deenergizations of the magnet C and the retention of. armature C against retractive movement either magnetically or mechanically, as just described;

After the intended number of revolutions of the shaft 2!, the same or another notch A will be presented to the projection B and the same oranother pin A will engage the end A thus causing restoration ofthe-various parts to their normal positions.

Throughout the operation of the signal transmitter, as just described, the contacts 69 will have remained open; the pin'B3 having been continuously held out of the path of the arm 6| so that said arm could not raise the bar 51 to close the contacts 69.

Because of such continued open circuit conditioning of the contacts 69, no connection was established between the earth at g and the normal current path, notwithstanding that the contacts 33 were subjected to functional actuation during each revolution of the shaft 2|.

Operation on busy circuit If the detent arm is lifted at a time when a signal of some other transmitter is in process of formulation in the normal circuit path, deenergization of the non-interference magnet C will occur while the key break lever D 'is being supported by engagement of the pin A with the end A for reasons well understood by those skilled in this art. v f

Upon such deenergization of the magnet C, the armature C will be moved away from the magnet by the retractile spring C until its movement is arrested by the face 59 of the dog 5| being brought to rest against the pinion 23, for the reason that the finger M will, upon the occasion of such deenergization, be maintained above the path of the pin 45 because of the engagement between the pm A and the end A just referred to.

Such retraction of the armature C will withdraw the pin 81 from the position where it prevents counter-clockwise movement of the member II through blocking the path of the shoulder 9|. Said member "II will thereupon move in counter-clockwise direction, responsive to the urge of spring I99, thereby carrying the pin I3 into the path of the arm D so as to lock the key break lever D in its elevated or closed circuit position. 1

Incidental to such movement of the member H, the end 91 of the non-interference latch 83 will be so moved relative to the pin 9.3 as to cause the shoulder 9I to be withdrawn from the path of the pin 81, thereby permitting completion of full intended counter-clockwise movement of the member II.

While member II is in its extreme counterclockwise position, no actuation of the armature C will bring pin 81 into engagement with said circuit path, the non-interference magnet C will be energized incident to each closure of such signal and will thus cause the armature C to move to attracted position and thereby withdraw the face 59 from the pinion 23 as well as the pin 63 from the path of the arm 6|.

Inasmuch as the angular movement of the arm 61 during its engagement with the pin 63 prior to its having carried said pin to the position shown in Fig. 5, occupies a time measured by the running of the train which exceeds the time between closures incident to any signal, as hereinbefore more fully explained,--it is evident that, during the running of the train while said arm and said pin are in engagement, some closure incident to the signal of the other active transmitter will cause energization of the magnet C. Upon such energization, the armature C will move to attracted position. The pin '63 will thereby bewithdrawn from the path of the arm 6! and thus prevent further actuation ofthe dog 5| bysaid arm until said arm, having moved for nearly acomplete revolution, again reaches the position where it may engage said pin 63.

Throughout the ensuing operation of the gear train under conditions as just described, the armature will be kept in the effective range of the magnet C, the key break lever D will be locked against functional actuation, and the emergency path closing contacts 69 will remain open.

After a desired number of revolutions of the shaft 2i, the same or another notch A of the detent flange will be presented to the projection B thus permitting the detent arm B to move downwardly until'the shoulder ID! at the free end thereof rests upon the pin I05.

Incident to such downward movement of said detent arm, the face thereof below the shoulder ID! will act against the pin I05 (due to the formation thereof as more fully disclosed in the aforesaid Johnson patent) and thereby effect movement of the member II in clockwise'direction, such as will move the end C into the path of the pin C carried by the gear 0*. Continued rotation of the shaft 2| will then carry the pin C into engagement with the end C of member H and thus impart further clockwise movement to the member II, withdrawing the pin I3 from the path of the arm D Just prior to such withdrawal of the pin 13 from the path of the arm D the pin A will have engaged the end A thus lifting the arm D carried by the lever D slightly above the path of the pin I3. Such freeing of the pin I3 from the arm D will facilitate movement of the member TI, besides assuring that said arm D will be prevented from moving from its closed to its open circuit position at the time when the pin I3 is withdrawn from the path thereof.

Thereafter, so long as the pin A maintains the arm D in its fully lifted position, the pin I3 will be free to move into the path of the arm D L From the foregoing it will be evident that, while the arm D is supported either by the pin A? or by the first tooth of the code wheel E, should the non-interference magnet become deenergized due to the formulation of the signal of some other transmitter, retraction of the armature C will result in the pin I3 being again carried into the path of the arm D and the mechanism will thereafter operate without effective formulation until an occasion is reached when the normal current path'is free .to respond to formulation of the signalof this transmitter at a time when a notch A is adjacent to the projection B After the signal of the other transmitter has been-completed and the circuit remains restored in its normal closed condition, the various parts will act to cause signal formulation by the contacts D, after which the parts will be brought to rest, all as hereinbefore more fully explained.

Simultane usly started signals If two transmitters are started in such timed relationship that their respective normal code signal formulating contacts D act simultaneouslyin breaking the circuit for their signals, a stage will be thereafter reached in the operation of. such transmitters when, at one of said transmitters, the finger 41 will be lifted above the pin 45 at a time when the contacts D of the other transmitter are open. Thereupon, the armature C of such first named transmitter will be moved away from its associated magnet C by the retractile spring C and the ensuing operation of such first named transmitter will be analogous to that of a transmitter operating on a busy circuit, as hereinbefore more fully explained.

Operation, broken line If the detent arm B is lifted at a time when the normal circuit is broken at one side or the other of the active transmitter, operation will at first proceed as in the event of operation on a busy circuit, However, inasmuch as no energizations of the magnet C will occur, the face 59 will not be withdrawn from the pinion 23, and the bar 5'! will ultimately be moved into engagement with the stop 35 and thereafter lifted (through engagement of the pin 63 by the arm GI) until the pin 51 closes the contacts 69 and the end of the bar 5? rests upon the stop 65.

As hereinbefore more fully explained, such closure of the contacts 69 will occur at a time when the contacts 33 are open due to cut-away portion of the wheel 25 which precedes the first tooth of said wheel representative of the code signal being then presented to the lever 3|.

Thereafter, the lever 3| will follow the contour of the wheel 25, thus effecting closures of the contacts 33 representative of the intended code signal.

Assuming that conductor I49 is broken and that the current path through conductor I4! is effective, each such closure of the contacts 33 will establish a current path for causing functional actuation'of the manifesting devices I5! and I5! as follows:

From one output terminal of rectifier MI, through conductor I l! and manifesting device I5I, 'to and through conductor I25, closed contacts D, through a portion of conductor I23, through conductor I35, contacts 69, conductor I33, contacts 33 and conductor I 3I to ground 9; thence through the earth to and through ground connection G to the input terminal of rectifier I4I which is associated with input conductor I43, thereby causing energization of manifesting device I57. o

Correspondingly, if conductor I41 is broken and conductor I49 is effective, each closure of contacts 33 will establish a current path from the other output terminal of rectifier I4I, through conductor I49 including manifesting device I 53, through conductor I2I, windings of magnet C, a portion of conductor I23, through conductor I35, contacts 69, conductor I33, contacts 33, and conductor I3I to ground 9; thence through the earth andthrough ground connection G to input terminal of rectifier I II assoc ated with input-conductor I43, thereby effecting functional energization of manifesting devices 153 and I51, as well'as causing energization of device I51, irrespective of whether conductor I41 or I49 is broken; and that the one of the manifesting devices I5I, I53 which is associated with the unbroken conductor will also respond to such code signal. I

Inasmuch as the armature C moved out of the effective field of the magnet C when the bar 5! was positioned on the stop 65 so as to close the contacts 69, any energizations of the magnet C which may occur incidental to closures of the contacts 33 will be without'significant effect upon said armature. Upon full retraction of the armature C incident to the positioning of the bar 51 as just referred to, the bar I03 engaged the lower end of the latch 85 swinging same around the stud BI so as to withdraw the pin I35 from the path of the shoulder IllI-formed in the end of the detent arm B. Consequently, when opening A is next presented to the projection B the detent arm'B will be permitted to fall, thereby stopping the operation of the transmitter and restoring all parts to their normal positions.

It will be noted that, inasmuch as the contacts 69 remained open during the first revolution of the wheel 25, the code number of said wheel will be transmitted a lesser number of times under broken line condition than would have been the case under normal line condition. For example, if

here under consideration would be effective three times,

Operation, clear circuit becoming broken If the circuit becomes broken, after this transmitter has started the formulation of its code signal therein, the resultant operation of the various parts will, when the circuit'becomes broken, be analogous to that occurring inthe instance of the one of simultaneously started transmitters which fails to retain control of the circuit; and will thereafter continue in a manner analogous to that under broken line operation.

If the break occurs during the first transmission or round of the code signal, or at a time thereafter and preceding an ensuing round such that the contacts 69 would become closed prior to the commencement of such ensuing round, the contacts 33 will be effective for formulating the signal in the emergency ground path during the ensuing round or rounds.

If, however, the break does not become effective early enough to cause the contacts 69 to become closed before the commencement of the last round, the opening A in the flange A will permit the detent arm B to move the armature C so as to withdraw the pin 63 from the path of the arm 6! before said arm will have carried the dog 5| to a position where the bar 51 can pass over the top of the stop 65. Hence the pin I05 will be disposed in the path of the shoulder I01 and thereby preventthe train being brought to rest after the conclusion of the final intended revolution of the code Wheels, and the train will continue thereafter to operate until the code signal has been formulated in the emergency ground path a number of times which is one less than 1 the number of intended formulationsof the code signal in the normal circuit path.

Operation, busg circuit becoming broken If, after having commenced operation on a previously busy circuit, that circuit becomes broken, the operation will be similar to that occurring when the circuit becomes broken while thetransmitter is acting to formulate its signal in a previously clear line.

In other words, the arm BI will engage the pin 53 upon first opportunity after the circuit becomes broken, and will thereupon effect closure of the contacts 63 to render the contacts 33 effective for signal formulation in the emergency path, unless it so happens that an opening A is then presented to the projection B In the latter event, the lowering of the detent arm B will temporarily prevent efiective actuation of the dog 5! by the arm GI, for the reason more fully described in connection with Operation, clear circuit becoming broken.

Operation on grounded line cuit'g' except that manifesting device I5? and one or the other of the manifesting devices I5I, I53

will fail to respond to the signal.

For example; if conductor I4? is grounded, operation of the transmitter of Fig. 1 will cause response of manifesting device I53 but manifesting devices I 55 and I5! will not respond to the signal. Correspondingly, if conductor I49 is grounded, operation of the transmitter will cause response of manifesting device I5! only.

Operation, short-circuz'ted magnet If, at a time when the detent arm is lifted, the windings of magnet C are short-circuited as by so-ca'lled "burning out of the windings or by a short-circuit between conductors I2I and I23, or'otherwise, the operation of the transmitter will be identical with that hereinbefore described under heading of Operation, broken line, ex

Operation, shunted-out transmitter The operation of the transmitter of Fig. 1, when shunted out, is identical with that hereinbefore described under heading of Operation,

broken line, the manifestation of the signal thus formulated being the same as that hereinbefore more fully described under heading of Operation, short-circuited magnet.

Operation, broken inagnet winding In the event of a break in conductor I2I, in conductor I23, or in the windings of non-interference magnet C, operation of the transmitter of Fig. l would-result in operation such as that hereinbefore described in greater detail under Oporation, broken line with reference to a break inconductor E49.

- If, however, at a time when the transmitter of Fig. 1 was attempting to transmit its code ignal, the conductor It! was broken, in addition to a break in the current path through the windings of the non-interference magnet C, there would be no current path available for carrying the formulated signal from the transmitter to the manifesting devices I 5| I53 or I 51.

Fig. 6 embodiment The embodiment of this invention indicated in Fig. 6 contemplates the utilization of contacts I39 of Fig. 6 in place of the emergency path controlling contacts 69 of Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive. Such contacts I55 are arranged in association with a pin HI carried by the armature lever C Pin III is in such relationship to the contacts I59 that they will be in open circuit condition during attracted positioning of the armature C as well as during retracted positioning of the armature such as will bring the face 59 of bar 57 into engagement with the pinion 23.

The bent-over end I33 of one of the contacts I35 is of such form and positioning, relative to the path of the pin III, that the pin III will engage said end I13 and effect closed circuit positioning of the contacts I59 when the armature lever C is fully retracted, that is, in the position which it occupies when the bar 51 is resting upon the upper end of the stop 55 as indicated in Fig. 5.

The contacts I59 are serially connected between conductors I33 and I35 in substitution of contacts 59 of Figs. 1 to 5. A transmitter constructed in accordance with the aspect of this invention indicated by Fig. 6 will operate, under all conditions, in a manner analogous to that hereinbefore more specifically described.

Fig. 7 embodiment In Fig. 7 there is shown an arrangement of parts, pursuant to this invention, such that signal formulation will be effected between the ground and the portions of the normal circuit situated at both sides of an active transmitter, even if the current path through the non-interference magnet winding of such transmitter is interrupted.

This result is accomplished by the utilization of contacts ISI, I83 and I85 in substitution for the contacts 69 indicated in Figs. 1 to 5 in association with the pin 6? carried by the bar 51 or in substitution for contacts I69 associated with the pin III in accordance with Fig. 6. These contacts I8I, I33, I85 are arranged to be closed together only under conditions such as would cause closure of the contacts 59 or I69.

Contact I3I is connected with one of the contacts 33 by conductor 233. Contact I83 is connected to conductor 225 through conductor 235, and contact I85 is connected to conductor 22I through conductor I87; conductors 22I and 225 respectively corresponding to conductors I2I and I25 indicated in Fig. 1.

From the foregoing it will be evident that, in the use of an embodiment of this invention having the characteristics indicated by Fig. 7, if the current path through the windings of the electromagnet C is interrupted, and there is a break in the normal current path between the active transmitter and the central office manifesting devices, the code signal of such active transmitter will cause response of the manifesting device I5'I, as well as one of the other of the manitesting devices I55, I53, irrespective of the one of the conductors I41, I49 which is broken, and irrespective of which of these conductors happens to be directly connected with conductor 22I of the active transmitter.

The reason for this result is that, pursuant to the arrangement indicated in Fig. 7, emergency current paths are provided from both sides of the normal current path to the ground when the emergency path contacts I8I, I83, I85 are closed.

For example, assuming that conductors 22! and through contact IBl, conductor 233, code contacts 33 and conductor 23I to the earth through ground connection 9; and an alternative path is established from conductor I49 of Fig. 1, through conductors 22! and I3? of Fig. 7, thence through contacts I85 and I8I, conductor 233, code contacts 33 and conductor 23! to ground connection g and the earth.

Fig. 8 embodiment The circuit arrangement indicated in Fig. 8

discloses a manner in which this invention may be applied to transmitters having the normal code signal formulating contacts serially connected between one and the other of the Wind- 1.. ings of a non-interference magnet, such as the magnet C.

In accordance with the circuit arrangement indicated in Fig. 8, the conductors 32I and 325 correspond generally with the conductors I2I and I25 of Fig. 1, these conductors leading from the respective transmitter terminals or respective terminals of the protective shunt (such as the shunt IIQ of Fig. 1) to terminals of one and the other of the windings of the non-interference magnet, so connected that when the remaining terminals of such windings are connected together by closure of the normal code signal formulating contacts, current flow between conductors 32I and 325 will cause cooperative excitation of these windings.

Such interconnection of the remaining terminals of the non-interference magnet windings are indicated in Fig. 8 wherein they are shown connected to the respective ones of contacts D which correspond to the normal code signaling contacts D of Fig. 1.

The conductor 335 connects one of the contacts D to one of the emergency ground path controlling contacts 59. The other of the contacts 69 is connected through conductor 333 to one of the emergency code signal formulating contacts 33. The other of the contacts 33 is connected through conductor 33I to the earth through ground connection 9.

The operation of the embodiment of this invention indicated in Fig. 8 is substantially identical with that of the embodiment indicated in Fig. 1 as hereinbefore more fully described.

Fig. 9 embodiment 19! pivotally supported at I93 and'having'a ledge 195 formed near the lower end thereof for engaging the free end I91 of the emergency key break lever 43!.

A spring I99 urges movement of the piece I!!! I position except when signal formulating notches are presented thereto.

From the foregoing it will be evident that the emergency code signal formulating contacts 433 will be held in open circuit position at all times except when the free end of the dog is supported upon the stop 65} and that, at such times, the emergency key break lever 43! will follow the contour of the code wheel 425, causing closures of said contacts whenever a notch in said contour is presented to said lever.

It should be understood that the construction indicated in Fig. 9 is merely diagrammatic and that in the interests of clearness no attempt is here made to indicate means for causing quick action or socalled snap action in the separating movement of said contacts. Where rapidly moving code wheels are utilized, such supplemental equipment may be unnecessary. For instances in which such equipment may be deemed needful, mechanism may be utilized for accomplishing this function in accordance with Patent No. 1,884,735 to George E. King, dated October 25, 1932, to which reference is made.

Fi'g. 10 embodiment V For situations where it is desired that closure of emergency path contacts (such as the contacts 59 of Fig. 1) shall be accomplished only when actuation of the dog 5!, or such part as may be used in place thereof, has not been interrupted, (as because of energization of the electromagnet) for a time represented by rotation of the shaft 2! through an angle greater than that obtainable through structure such as is indicated in Figs. 1 to 5, inclusive,'-modified parts may be used whereby any desired extent of rotation of the shaft 2! will have to take place during continuous deenergization of the electromagnet, before the emergency code signal formulating contacts will be rendered effective. 7

' Such an arrangement'is indicated in Fig. 10, in which the pivot 553 corresponds with the pivot 53 of the preceding views. The dog 55! is pivotally mounted on the pivot 553 and has a toothed face 59 for engaging the pinion23 under circum-'- stances such as those which cause, the face 59 of the dog 5! to engagethe pinion 23 of preceding views. I

The bar 551 moves with the dog55! and is so formed with relation to a stop 565 that when the dog 55! has been swung counter-clockwise around pivot 553 through engagement of the toothed face 59 with pinion 23, until the lower end of the face 59' is permitted to pass above pinion 23, during the ensuing movement of the pivot 553 incident to retractive movement of the armature C the end of the bar 551 will be brought against the stop 565, and will there remain until the arm 6! engages the pin 63 and carries the free end of the bar 551 above the stop 565; to be there supported and thus cause the pin 561 to effect continuing closure of the emergency ground path controlling contacts 69.

From the foregoing it Will be evident that the length of the toothed face 59' can be such as to be representative of any desired extent of rotational movement of the pinion 23 and that, throughout engagement of such face with said pinion incident to deenergization of the non-interference magnet, should re-energization of such magnet occur, the face 59 will be withdrawn from engagement with the pinion 23, and the dog 55! will fall to its starting position, and thus cancel any previously attained accumulative lifting of the dog 55!.

Fig. 11 embodiment As an example of one of the many alternative embodiments of this invention, which may be made toconform with various operating conditions as well as for meeting differing preferences of users, an arrangement is shown in Fig. 11 in which all code signal formulating contacts are at all times fully subject to actuation responsive to rotation of a single code Wheel. Means is also provided whereby these contacts may be rendered ineffective for interrupting the normal current path responsive to the formulation of the code signal by some other transmitter, and whereby, after continuing deenergization of the electro' magnet for a time longer than the longest open circuit period incident to the transmission of any code signal, these contacts may be caused to effect the formulation of the intended code signal between the normal path and the earth.

Referring now in greater detail to the arrangement indicated in Fig. 11, the normal code signal formulating contacts 12! are connected through the conductors 123 and 125 with the respective ones of the noninterference shunting contacts 121. One of the noninterference shunting contacts 121 is connected through conductor 129 with one end of the non-interference electromagnet windings 18!, the other end of these windings is connected to the conductor 183. The

remaining one of the contacts 12'! is connected with the conductor 185. The conductors 183 and 185 may be associated with the signaling circuit in a manner analogous to that indicated in Fig. 1 for conductors l2! and I25.

The emergency code signal formulating contacts 133 correspond generally with the contacts 33 of Fig. 1 and, together withthe contacts 12!, are at all times subject to actuation of the key break lever 14! associated with the normal code wheel E, so that, when said lever 14! is lifted by any tooth of the wheel E, the contacts 12! and 133 will be closed; and when said lever 14! is allowed to fall due to presentation of a space between teeth of the wheel E, the contacts 12!,

133 will be open. Furthermore, the lever 14! is subject to actuation, as by the pin A of Fig. 1, for lifting said lever and closing the contacts 12! and 133 when the transmitter is at rest, and just prior to and following the presentation of any opening A to the projection 3 The contacts 69 correspond with the contacts 69 of preceding views for like operation.

A finger 141 is pivotally mounted adjacent to and for movement independently. of the lever 14 a pin 149 carried by the lever 14! projecting intothe path of thefinger 141 so that, when the lever 14! has been lifted by any tooth of the wheel E,

the free end of the finger M1 will be above the path of movement of the pin 45 carried by the bar 43 moving with the armature controlled arm 4|, (see Fig, 1).

An insulating pin TF5 moves with the member ll and is so associated with the contacts 121 that, when said member H is in the position which it occupies when the armature is in attracted position and the pin 81 rests against the shoulder 9|, said contacts 121 will be open; and when said member I! has moved to the position which it attains after retraction of the non-interference armature, said contacts will be closed.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the operation of an embodiment of this invention, such as is indicated in Fig. 11, will be similar, under the various conditions, to that of a transmitter constructed in accordance with Fig. 1; except that both the contacts 121 and 133 will be concurrently actuated throughout all rotations of the wheel E; but the actuation of the contacts 12! may be rendered ineffective responsive to interference conditions, due to closure of the shunting contacts 721; and the contacts 133 will be rendered effective only during closure of the contacts 69. 7

Inasmuch as it is thus made evident that the signal formulating means may be variously embodied, the phrase signal formulator will be hereinafter used as designating formulating contacts such as the contacts D in association with the key break lever D and wheel E, correspondingly employed contacts 33, lever 3! and wheel 25 of Fig. 1; corresponding formulating contacts, key break levers and signal wheels of Figs. 7, 8 and 9; and either the contacts 72! or 133 with lever 14! and wheel E of Fig. 11, or both the contacts 12! and 133 of said Fig. 11 in such instances as the context permits or requires.

It will be evident, from the foregoing description, that this invention might be illustrated in the drawings of the present application as embodied in various ones of many other diiferent kinds of mechanisms. Those mechanisms which have been selected for use as illustrative of the invention have been chosen not because they exhaust the scope of the invention in its application to the various uses for which it is suited; but they have been selected because they are believed to be such as will be most helpful in enabling those skilled in this art to successfully apply this invention to any use for which it is suited.

While there has been shown in the accompanying drawings, and hereinbefore described in considerable detail, certain specific embodiments of this invention,it should be understood that such disclosure is in many instances illustrative only, and for the purposes of making clear the nature and objects of this invention; however, this invention is not limited. to the particular arrangements shown .and hereinbefore described,

as many changes may be made in the construction and arrangement and parts maybe added,

changed or omitted, without departing from-the spirit of this invention.

It is also to be understood that the language used in the following claims is intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

I claim:

1. In a signal device operable for a series of formulating cycles,means manually operable from a normal to a fully actuated position for initiating operation of said device, means for maintaining said manually operable means in fully actuated position and for permitting restoration thereof after a predetermined number of such cycles, circuit controllers subject to concurrent code signal formulating actuation incident to each formulating cycle of the operation of said device, an electromagnet having a winding conductively associated with one of said controllers, a part movable to a first position in which it is retainable responsive to energization, of said magnet, to a second position from which it is movable to said first position responsive to such energization, and to a third position where it is unaffected by such energization, means for effecting movement of said part from its second to its third position only follow-- ing a predetermined extent of operation of said device throughout which said part has remained in its said second position and thereafter only at a predetermined operating cycle stage, said last named means comprising a member pivotally connected with said part for engagement with a moving member of said device to restrain movement of said part from its said second to its said third position, said member subject to actuation responsive to operation of said device to a position permitting movement of said part from its said second position to its said third position, a member alternatively positionable for rendering said associated one of said controllers effective and ineiiective, means for effecting positioning of said member to render said one controller effective only while said part is in its first position, said last named means involving a non-interference latch pivotally connected with said second named member, engageable with a surface movable with said part and with a stationary surface whereby said second named member may be retained in effective positioning while said part is in its said first position and said non-interference latch will be moved out of the path of the part-associated-surface during ineffective positioning of said member, means for moving said member from the position rendering said controller ineffective to the position rendering it effective only at a predetermined stage of an operating cycle, means for rendering the other of. said controllers effective only when said part is in the third of its said positions, means for preventing full restoration of said manually operable means to its normal position following operation of said device for the aforesaid predetermined series of formulating cycles, and means jointly controlled by said part and said second named member for rendering said restoration preventing means effective only when said second member is positioned for rendering said associated controller ineffective and said part is withdrawn from its aforesaid third position, said jointly controlled means comprising a succession latch pivotally associated with said second named member and carrying a surface which may be brought into the restoration path of said manually operable means, a springurglng movement of said latch to such obstructing position, and surfaces moving with said succession latch whereby said latch Will be rendered obstructingly effective only when said part is in its said first or second position and said member is positioned for rendering said associated controller ineffective.

2. In a signal device operable for a series of formulating cycles,means manually operable from a normal to a fully actuated position for rent code signals formulating actuation incident to each formulating cycle of the operation of said: device, an electromagnet having a winding conductively associated with one of said controllers, a part movable to a first position in which it is retainable responsive to energization of said magnet, to a second position from which it is movable to said first position responsive to such energization, and to a third position where it is unaffected by such energization, means for "member to render said one controller efiective only while said part is in its firstposition, means for moving said member from the position rendering said controller ineffective to the position rendering it effective only at a predetermined stage of an operating cycle, means for rendering the other of said controllers effective only when saidpart is in the third of its said positions, means for preventing full restoration of said manually operable means to its normal position following operation of said device for the aforesaid predetermined series of formulating cycles, and means jointly controlled by said part and said member for rendering said restoration preventing means effective only when said member is positioned for rendering said associated controller ineffective and said part is withdrawn from its aforesaid third position.

3. A signal formulating transmitter comprising two individual signal formulating contact making and breaking devices, means whereby one of said devices is normally effective for signal formulation and the other is normally ineffective for signal formulation, means for at times concurrently operating said two signal formulating devices, a normal signal path through the transmitter including therein the normally effective signal formulating device, an auxiliary signaling path including therein in series the normally ineffective signal formulating device, the normally effective signal formulating device and portions of said normal path, a non-interference magnet in said first path, means controlled by the noninterference magnet when said operating means for the signal formulating means is operative for determining whether said first path is ineffective for signal formulation therein temporarily or for a period of time longer than the longest interval due to normal signal formulation, means controlled by the determining means in either event for rendering the normally effective formulating means ineffective to formulate signals in the first path or to affect the signaling in said second path, and additional means operated by the determining means only when it determines that the first path is inefiective for the longer time i interval for rendering the second formulating one of said devices is normally effective for signal formulation and the other is normally ineffective for signal formulation, means for at times concurrently operating said two signal formulating devices, a normal signal path through the transmitter responsively associated with the normally effective signal formulating device, an auxiliary signaling path responsively associated with the normally ineffective signal formulating device and involving the normally effective signal formulating device and portions of said normal path, a non-interference magnet responsive to said first path, means controlled by the non-interference magnet when said operating means for the signal formulating means is operative for determining whether said first path is ineffective for signal formulation therein temporarily or for a period of time longer than the longest interval due to normal signal formulation, means controlled by the determining means in either event for rendering the normally effective formulating means ineffective to formulate signals in the first path or to affect the signaling in said second path, and additional means operated by the determining means only when it determines that the first path is ineffective for the longer time interval for rendering the second formulating device effective in the additional path.

5. A signal formulating transmitter comprising two individual signal formulating contact makingand breaking devices, means whereby one of said devices is normally effective for signal formulation and the other is normally ineffective for signal formulation, means for at times concurrently op'era'tingsaid two signal formulating devices, a normal signal path through the transmitter including therein the normally effective signal formulating device, an auxiliary signaling path including therein the normally ineffective signal formulating device and involving portions of said normal path, a non-interference magnet responsive to said first path, means controlled by the non-interference magnet when said operating means for the signal formulating means is operative for determining whether said first path is ineffective for signal formulation therein temporarily or for a period of time longer than the longest interval due to normal signal formulation, means controlled by the determining means in either event for rendering the normally effective formulating means ineffective to formulate signals in the first path or to affect the signaling in said second path, and additional means operated by the determining means only when it determines that the first path is ineffective for the longer time interval for rendering the second formulating device effective in the additional path.

6. A signal formulating transmitter comprising two individual signal formulating contact making and. breaking devices, means whereby one of said devices is normally effective for signal formulation and the other is normally ineffective for signal formulation, means for at times effecting concurrent cyclic operation of said two signal formulating devices, a normal signal path through the transmitter including therein the normally effective signal formulating device, an auxiliary signaling path including therein in series the normally ineffective signal formulating device, the normally effective signal formulating device and portions of said normal path, a noninterference magnet in said first path, means controlled by the non-interference magnet when said operating means for the signal formulating means is operative for determining whether said first path is ineifective for signal formulation therein temporarily or for a period of time longer than the longest interval due to normal signal formulation, means controlled by the determining means in either event for rendering the normally efiective formulating means inefiective to formulate signals in the first path or to afiect the signaling in said second path, additional means operated by the determining means only when it determines that the first path is ineffective for the longer time interval forrendering the second formulating device effective in the additional path, and means associated with the operating means whereby one and the other of the formulating devices will be rendered effective for commencement of signal formulation in their respectively associated paths only at predetermined cycle-stage of said'operating means.

7. In a signal formulating transmitter, a normal current path, an emergency current path for at times serving to supplement said normal path, contacts respectively associated with said paths for effecting signal formulation therein, means operable for severally effecting cyclical signal formulating activity of said contacts, an electromagnet responsively associated with said normal path, non-interference and succession mechanism governed by said magnet responsive to impairments of current flow in said normal path, such as result from a busy or a broken line, for conditioning said mechanism for suspending signal formulation in said normal path by its associated contacts, means responsive to said mechanism for effecting signal formulation by its associated contact in said emergency path only following non-portative conditioning of said magnet continued for a predetermined time measured by the operation of said operable means and only during conditioning of said mechanism for suspension of signal formulation in said normal path, and means for permitting commencement of signal formulation in one and the other of said paths only at predetermined cycle-stage in the operation of said operable means.

8. In a signal formulating transmitter,a normal current path, an emergency current path for at times serving to supplement said normal path, contacts respectively associated with said paths for effecting signal formulation therein, means operable for severally effecting cyclical signal formulating activity of said contacts, an electromagnet responsively associated with said normal path, non-interference mechanism governed by said magnet responsive to impairments of current flow in said normal path, such as result from a busy or a broken line, for conditioning said mechanism for suspending signal formulation in said normal path by its associated contacts, means responsive to said mechanism for effecting signal formulation by its associated contact in said emergency path only following non-portative conditioning of said magnet continued for a predetermined time measured by the operation of said operable means, and means for permitting commencement of signal formulation in one and the other of said paths only at predetermined cycle-stage in the operation of said operable means.

CLARENCE E, BEACH. 

